Calcutta University VC Commended for Rejecting Exam Rescheduling Plea

### Quick Summary
– Calcutta University officiating Vice-Chancellor Santa Datta (De) upheld academic autonomy by refusing a State Higher Education Department request to reschedule exams coinciding with the foundation day of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad on August 28.
– Prof. Datta convened a Syndicate meeting, where faculty and members supported keeping the exam schedule unchanged to safeguard institutional independence.
– She criticized state intervention, calling it “unprecedented,” and emphasized the need for normal traffic management during public events as done for strikes.- Faculty and students applauded this decision, describing it as courageous and essential amidst alleged political intimidation in academia.
– The university faces challenges including vacant teaching positions and prolonged delays in student union elections (over seven years), highlighted after subsequent State government inquiries into financial records.
– Support for institutional autonomy was echoed by various stakeholders, including SFI activists, researchers, professors, and the Calcutta University Teachers’ association (CUTA).

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### indian Opinion Analysis
Prof. Santa Datta’s principled stance highlights an enduring debate over institutional autonomy within higher education establishments in India. By prioritizing academic schedules over external influences tied to political events, she has reaffirmed the foundational principle that universities should operate free from political encroachment. this decision also raises meaningful questions about governance norms in public institutions: balancing collaboration with state agencies while preserving independence.

The broader implications point to long-standing concerns regarding vacancies in teaching positions alongside delays in democratic representation through student union elections-issues that could hinder both administrative functionality and academic excellence. Stakeholders have demonstrated unified support for Prof. Datta’s approach; however, sustained systemic reforms may be required to prevent similar conflicts or pressures arising elsewhere.Read more: